But war makes thieves--and peace hangs them! Only wait till I manage affairs!" "Many thanks to thee, Nicholas," returned the Nevile; "but foul befall me if ever I seek protection from sheriff or mayor! A man who cannot keep his own life with his own right hand merits well to hap-lose it; and I, for one, shall think ill of the day when an Englishman looks more to the laws than his good arm for his safety; but, letting this pass, I beseech thee to avise me if my Lord Warwick be still in the city ?" "Yes, marry, I know that by the hostelries, which swarm with his badges, and the oxen, that go in scores to the shambles! It is a shame to the Estate to see one subject so great, and it bodes no good to our peace.
The earl is preparing the most magnificent embassage that ever crossed the salt seas--I would it were not to the French, for our interests lie contrary; but thou hast some days yet to rest here and grow stout, for I would not have thee present thyself with a visage of chalk to a man who values his kind mainly by their thews and their sinews.

Moreover, thou shouldst send for the tailor, and get thee trimmed to the mark.

It would be a long step in thy path to promotion, an' the earl would take thee in his train; and the gaudier thy plumes, why, the better chance for thy flight.

Wherefore, since thou sayest they are thus friendly to thee under this roof, bide yet a while peacefully; I will send thee the mercer, and the clothier, and the tailor, to divert thy impatience.

And as these fellows are greedy, my gentle and dear Master Nevile, may I ask, without offence, how thou art provided ?" "Nay, nay, I have moneys at the hostelrie, an' thou wilt send me my mails.